Determination of convex functions via subgradients of minimal norm

Mathematical Programming - We show, in Hilbert space setting, that any two convex proper lower semicontinuous functions bounded from below, for which the norm of their minimal subgradients...     

Selective Chromofluorogenic Sensing of Heparin by using Functionalised Silica Nanoparticles Containing Binding Sites and a Signalling Reporter

Heparin detective : Silica nanoparticles functionalised with ion‐channel scaffolds were prepared and used for the chromofluorogenic sensing of heparin in aqueous environments (see figure). The surface of the nanoparticles was functionalised with polyamines (binding sites) and thiols. The reaction of a dye (squaraine) with the surface thiol groups was selectively inhibited by the coordination of heparin with the partly protonated polyamines.

     

Phase equilibrium for the systems diisopropyl ether,isopropyl alcohol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and +n-heptane at 101.3 kPa

Consistent vapour–liquid equilibrium data for the ternary systems diisopropyl ether + isopropyl alcohol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and diisopropyl ether + isopropyl alcohol + n-heptane are reported at 101.3 kPa. The vapour–liquid equilibrium data have been correlated by Wilson, NRTL and UNIQUAC equations. The ternary systems do not present ternary azeotropes.     

The number of critical elements of discrete Morse functions on non-compact surfaces

This paper is focused on looking for links between the topology of a connected and non-compact surface with finitely many ends and any proper discrete Morse function which can be defined on it. More precisely, we study the non-compact surfaces which admit a proper discrete Morse function with a given number of critical elements. In particular, given any of these surfaces, we obtain an optimal discrete Morse function on it, that is, with the minimum possible number of critical elements.     

Olefins and Vinyl Polar Monomers: Bridging the Gap for Next Generation Materials

The inherent differences in reactivity between activated and non‐activated alkenes prevents copolymerization using established polymer synthesis techniques. Research over the past 20 years has greatly advanced the copolymerization of polar vinyl monomers and olefins. This Review highlights the challenges associated with conventional polymerization systems and evaluates the most relevant methods which have been developed to “bridge the gap” between polar vinyl monomers and olefins. We discuss advancements in heteroatom tolerant coordination–insertion polymerizations, methods of controlling radical polymerizations to incorporate olefinic monomers, as well as combined approaches employing sequential polymerizations. Finally, we discuss state‐of‐the‐art stimuli‐responsive systems capable of facile switching between catalytic pathways and provide an outlook towards applications in which tailored copolymers are ideally suited.     

Stereoselective synthesis of functionalized gamma-amino esters: azetidinium salts and epoxy esters

Addition of several lithium ester enolates to chiral 1-aminoalkyl chloromethyl ketones 1 affords enantiomerically pure 3-hydroxyazetidinium salts 3 or 3-(1'-aminoalkyl)-3,4-epoxy esters 4, depending on the reaction conditions. [reaction: see text]     

Fluorimetric sequential injection determination of magnesium using 8-hydroxiquinoline-5-sulfonic acid in a micellar medium

A fluorimetric sequential injection method for the determination of magnesium is proposed. The system is based on the complex formation between Mg(II) and 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid (HQS). The reaction was carried out in the presence of ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) as a masking agent. Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (HTAC) was employed as a fluorescence enhancer. The influence of several variables, such as reagent concentration, volumes and pH has been investigated. The reagent was prepared in a 0.1 M Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 9). A detection limit of 12 mug l(-1) magnesium was obtained. The proposed method was applied to the determination of magnesium in natural waters.     

Multi-syringe flow injection solid-phase extraction system for on-line simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of nitro-substituted phenol isomers

In this paper, a time-based multi-syringe flow injection (MSFI) approach is proposed for automated disk-based sorbent extraction of three nitro-substituted phenol isomers (2-, 3-, and 4-nitrophenol) followed by on-line simultaneous determination of individual species by diode-array spectrophotometry. The method involves the on-line enrichment of the targeted analytes from an acidic medium containing 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl onto a co-polymeric sorbent material, and the concurrent removal of potentially interfering matrix components. The nitrophenol isomers are subsequently eluted with an alkaline solution (0.7 mol L⁻¹ NaOH), whereupon the eluate is delivered to a diode-array spectrophotometer for recording of the spectral data in the UV-vis region. Deconvolution of strongly overlapped spectra was conducted with multivariate regression models based on multiple linear regression calibration. The analytical performance of the chemometric algorithm was characterized by relative prediction errors and recoveries.The MSFI manifold was coupled to a multiposition selection valve to set a rugged analyzer that ensures minimum operational maintenance via exploitation of membrane switching protocols. As compared with earlier methods for isolation/pre-concentration of nitro-substituted phenols based on liquid-liquid extraction, the proposed flow-through disk-based system should be regarded as an environmentally friendly approach because the use of harmful organic solvents is circumvented. Under the optimized chemical and physical variables, the 3σ_blank detection limits for 2-, 3-, and 4-nitrophenol were 1.2, 3.2 and 0.3 μmol L⁻¹ for a sample loading volume of 1.5 mL, and the relative standard deviations were ≤5.0%. The flowing system, which is able to handle up to 135 samples automatically, was proven suitable for monitoring trace levels of the target isomers in mineral, tap, and seawater.     

Hibiscus Acid from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Inhibits Flagellar Motility and Cell Invasion in Salmonella enterica

Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (commonly called Rosselle or “Jamaica flower” in Mexico) have been shown to have antibiotic and antivirulence properties in several bacteria. Here, an organic extract of H. sabdariffa L. is shown to inhibit motility in Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Typhimurium. The compound responsible for this effect was purified and found to be the hibiscus acid. When tested, this compound also inhibited motility and reduced the secretion of both flagellin and type III secretion effectors. Purified hibiscus acid was not toxic in tissue-cultured eukaryotic cells, and it was able to reduce the invasion of Salmonella Typhimurium in epithelial cells. Initial steps to understand its mode of action showed it might affect membrane proton balance.     

Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions Involving 1,2‐Indole Migration

A cascade reaction of indoles with propargylic diols involving an unprecedented metal‐free 1,2‐indole migration onto an alkyne was carried out. DFT calculations support a mechanism consisting of a concerted nucleophilic attack of the indole nucleus with loss of water, followed by the 1,2‐migration and subsequent Nazarov cyclization. This Brønsted acid‐catalyzed protocol affords indole‐functionalized benzofulvene derivatives in high yields.